Scaffolding



A. c. MOR

Aug. 2 1961 SCAFFOLDIN 3 sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 27, 1954 INVENTOR w H Wm M C T: W n m 9 M Y B YQ WWW Aug. 22, 1961 A. c. MORGEN SCAFFOLDING 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 27. 1954 INVENTOR ATTORNEY g- 22, 1961 A. c. MORGEN 2,997,126

SCAFFOLDING Filed Dec. 27, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR ATTORNEY United fates The present invention relates to new and useful improvements in scaffolding, and more particularly to such improvements in sectional scaffolds of the knock-down type.

In general, the invention contemplates the provision of scaffolding formed of a plurality of sections which may be assembled one above the other to increase the height of the scaffolding as the work progresses, and which may be rapidly disassembled to a knock-down con dition after completion of the work. For example, scaffolding may be conveniently employed in the erection of masonry walls and the like wherein the laying of bricks or the like progressively increase the height of the Wall or similar structure, and the scaffolding can be correspondingly increased in height. To this end, the scaffolding includes end sections of skeleton form which may be interconnected by braces therebetween, usually along the sides thereof. 'I'hese end sections may be superposed one upon the other and braced to provide vertical scaffold sections affording the desired increase in height as the work progresses in height. There is provided a platform structure connected to the scaffold sections in a manner permitting the platform to be progressively elevated along the scaffold sections to properly position the worker as the work progresses.

With the above in mind, one of the principal objects of the present invention is to provide an improved scaffolding substantially of the above type wherein the scaffold sections are constructed and arranged, and may be assembled in a manner to greatly facilitate the mounting of the elevator platform supports and the free travel thereof vertically along the scaffold sections.

Another object of the invention is to provide a scaffolding substantially of the above type wherein the scaffold sections present continuous rail portions on which the platform supports or carriages are slidably mounted.

A further object of the invention is to provide between the platform supports and the scaffold sections an improved slidable connection affording increased stability and safety for the same.

A still further object :of the invention is to provide an improved connection between adjacent superposed scaffold sections so as to maintain the rail portions unobstructed for travel of the platform carriages without interference. V

A still further object of the invention is to increase the safety factor of the platform by providing the scaffold sections with pairs of double rail portions with which mounting means on the platform supports are in embracing relation.

A still further object of the invention is to provide improved carriages for supporting multiple platforms and drum and brake elevating mechanisms.

The invention still further aims to provide a scaffolding assembly substantially of the above type which is of simplified construction facilitating assembly and disassembly thereof; which is of rugged construction affording maximum safety for worker and tender; which is relatively simple to manufacture, and which is thoroughly efficient and reliable in intended operation.

The above and other objects of the invention will in out.

atent W In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is an end elevation showing one upper end section of the scaffold with the platforms thereon and with the upper section fitted in assembled relation on a lower end section;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of FIG. 1 showing the interconnecting bracing means and the platforms but with the elevating means omitted;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of one vertical scaflold section formed of a pair of end sections and the bracing means interconnecting the same;

FIG. 4 is a detail showing the telescoped connection between the vertical columns of the end scaffold sections;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side view of the adjacent ends of the double post structures of adjacent end sections prior to interfitting connection therebetween;

FIG. 6 is a transverse section showing the ends of FIG. 4 interfitted and secured by a bolt or the like extending through the aligned apertures in the connecting plates;

FIG. 7 is a more or less diagrammatic side elevation showing the scaffold sections in position adjacent a wall and with parts in dotted lines showing the extension thereof;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged and partially fragmentary section substantially along the line 66 of FIG. 1 showing the connection of one platform carriage with a pair of vertical columns and showing the elevating mechanism and brake control;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one of the platform carriages taken from above the same;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the platform carriage taken from the side thereof;

FIG. 11 is a more or less diagrammatic view showing the manner of initially setting up the scaffold section;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary section, similar to FIG. 8, but showing a modification in which the inner leg of the V-channel of the platform carriage terminates short of the side bracing;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary section through a single vertical post as a modification in which opposed rail sections on the post are engaged by complemental guides on the carriage;

FIG. 14 is a side view of a modified form of guide having a pivoted section;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary section of FIG. 14 showing open and closed positions of the guide.

Referring more in detail to the accompanying drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 5 at this time, each end scaffold section may be of various sizes but for exarnple may approximate eight feet in height, six feet width and spaced from one another at intervals which may vary but a spacing of about seven feet will serve as an example. Since each end section is identical, the description of section B will suflice. This end section includes a pair of vertical posts It 12 which may be conveniently formed of structural steel tubing and these posts are spaced slightly apart, approximately two inches, are secured in such spaced relation by vertically spaced plates arranged in predetermined spaced relation and secured, as by welding, to the posts. These plates will be referred to hereinafter as each has functions in addition to the securing and spacing of the posts 10, 12. These posts 10, 12 form double track portions for the platform carriage and are positioned adjacent the wall or other work being operated upon.

The end section B has a single tubular post 14 spaced from the double posts and connected thereto by a top horizontal tubular member 16 which is secured by welding or the like to the vertical post 14 and to a connecting plate 11 Welded between the posts 10, 12, and the horizontal member 16 may also be welded to the posts 10, 12 for added strength. As seen in FIG. 3, the vertical post 14 is centrally disposed between the bounding planes of the posts 10, 12 to afford a triangular arrangement of the posts. There is a network of braces interconnecting the vertical and horizontal posts. Thus, the elongated braces 18, 18aare secured, as by welding or the like, to the top horizontal member 16 intermediate the ends thereof and the bottom end of the brace 18 may be similarly secured to the vertical post 14 intermediate the ends therof. However, the bottom end of the brace 18a is secured to an additional plate which is disposed between the posts 10, 12 and Welded thereto to provide additional spaced bracing of these posts. There are additional short horizontal braces 19, 19a, 23, 23a, 24, 24a between the braces 18, 18a and the vertical posts, the braces 19a, 24a being secured to additional plates, such as 15, serving as spacers and bracing between the posts 10, 12. A horizontal cross brace 21 is secured, as by welding or the like, between the upper portions of the braces 18, 18a and this brace 21 is further united to the tubular member 16 by means of the brace 22. Each end scaffold section is thus effectively interbraced and the posts 10, 12 are maintained in spaced position by the plates referred to.

At the top of each post 10, 12, 14 there are provided pins 25, 26, 27, respectively, which fit within the posts and are secured by welding or the like. These pins project above the posts and are adapted to fit with the hollow ends of the corresponding posts of the superposed scaffold section to provide a telescoped joint. Thus, as shown in FIG. 4, the pin 27 of the lower post 14 is fitted within the superposed post 14 of the next section and a securing bolt 28 passes through registering apertures to secure the posts in telescoped assembled position.

In similar manner, the pins 25, 26 of the posts 10, 12 telescope with the posts of the superposed section. However, in order to maintain the posts 10, 12 unobstructed throughout the major portion of the peripheries thereof, the bolt securing means is not passed through the posts. But for securing purposes, it should be noted that the upper end of plate 11 projects upwardly from the posts substantially the extent of the pins 25, 26 and is centrally apertured. The bottom ends of the corresponding posts 10, 12 of the superposed section are joined by plates 29, 30 which are spaced from one another a distance to snugly receive therebetween the projecting end of the plate 11 as the posts are telescoped together and when assembled the plates have their central apertures aligned to receive a securing bolt 31 or the like. With manner of securing the superposed posts 10, 12, it will be seen that the major periphery of each post is unobstructed even at the telescoped joints therebetween so as to present track portions with substantial unobstructed surface portions throughout.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, pairs of end scaffold sections have been assembled in spaced relation and one pair of section superposed on a lower pair of sections. To maintain the spaced relation of the end sections, the several spacer plates 17 between the posts 10, 12 are provided with bracing pins 33 arranged in predetermined spaced relation and projecting toward the post 14 which, in turn, has similarly spaced bracing pins 34 suitably secured thereto as by welding or the like. These bracing pins may be threaded to receive complemental partners, such as wing nuts 35, or the pins may be transversely apertured to receive cotter pins, nails or the like.

A platform carriage, generally indicated at C in FIG. 1, but removed from FIG. 2, will be described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10. There is such a carriage slidably mounted on each pair of vertical posts 10, 12 to recevie planking P for the masons platform and planking P' for the material platform, there being additional such planking spanning the horizontal members 16 to form the tenders platform T. Since the material plat- 4 form P projects inwardly of the posts 10, 12 and moves with the carriages and masons platform, bracing between the posts 10, 12 is selectively positioned to permit the vertical movement of the platforms. Thus, as more particularly shown in FIG. 2, lower bracing is eliminated but there is upper bracing including a horizontal bracing bar or tubing 36 and crossed similar braces 37, 38. These bracing bars or tubes have flattened ends which are apertured to receive therethrough the corresponding bracing pins 38 to which the bracing bars are secured as indicated above. As to bracing between the outer single vertical posts 14, both upper and lower bracing may be simultaneously provided for required stability and strength. A lower bracing bar may remain as shown. As the platforms are elevated to position where the upper bracing would interfere, such bracing, or only the cross braces 37, 38 are removed and secured in the same manner to lower pairs of bracing pins 33 below the material platform. Thus, it will be apparent that the bracing may assume various forms and positions for required strength as the platforms are moved vertically.

A platform carriage will now be described with references to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10. Each such carriage comprises a rigid skeleton framework including a horizontal beam 40, such as a T-beam, reinforced along the bottom thereof by a structural plate 41 providing a channel formation. This beam 40 supports the planking P for the masons platform. There is an upper support structure illustrated as including horizontal channel beams 42, 42a arranged in V-formation with the apex thereof disposed vertically over the lower beam 40 and connected thereto by a vertical channel bar 43. Additional vertical channels 44, 4411 are secured to the channels 42, 42a, respectively, and to a cross channel 45 secured at the inner end of the lower beam 40. A network of reinforcing rods are provided and includes a central rod 46 connected between the inner end of the beam 40 and the channel 43 at the apex of the channels 42, 42a; rods 47, 47a secured to the beam 40 adjacent the vertical channel 43 and to the channels 42, 421:, respectively, spaced from the apex so as to cross the central diagonal rod 46; and shorter diagonal rods 48, 43a secured to the vertical channel 43 at the apex of the channels 42, 42a and to the channels 44, 44a, respectively, intermediate the ends thereof to cross the bars 47, 47a. Thus, it will be seen that these reinforcing bars or rods constitute a network of crossed structural reinforcing elements for added strength. It is to be understood that the various elements of the carriage framework may be secured together in any suitable manner, as by welding or the like.

An upper pair of arcuate shoes 50, 5011 are secured as by welding to the channels 42, 42a and to the vertical channels 44, 44a, respectively. Reinforcing plates 51, 51a additionally connect these shoes to the channels 42, 42a, as does a cross plate 52 between the channels 42, 42a (see FIGS. 8 and 9). At the lower end of the channels 44, 44a, there is a lower pair of similar arcuate shoes 53, 53a secured thereto and to the cross channel 45 by welding or the like. These upper and lower pairs of shoes are substantially half circles, or slightly more, and the shoes of each pair face one another to engage and embrace corresponding portions of the posts 10, 12 which form track portions over which the shoes are slidable. The shoes may have the arcuate edge portions slightly flared or bevelled to facilitate passage along the posts 10, 12.

An elevating and lowering mechanism for each carriage is mounted thereon and includes a shaft 55 mounted in bearings 56, 56a which are supported by brackets 57, 57a from the vertical channels 44, 44a, respectively (see FIG. 8). A winding drum 58 is mounted on shaft 55 and is attached to cable 60 which may have any suitable loop formation, or the like, at its upper free end for attachment to the uppermost scaffold section, as by attachment to the vertical pins 25, 26, or in other suitable manner.

At one end of the shaft 55, there is fixed a ratchet wheel 61 and a raising lever 62 is mounted on the shaft adjacent the wheel. The -lever carries a spring urged pawl 63 to engage the wheel ratchet teeth so that downward movement of the lever will cause rotation of the drum 58 in a direction to wind the cable 61) thereon and elevate the carriage. There is also provided a locking dog 64 which is spring urged into engagement with the ratchet teeth to positively prevent unwinding movement of the drum.

At the opposite end of the shaft 55, there is fixed a brake wheel 66 having a braking belt 67 engaging the same. As more clearly shown in FIG. 10, a pin 68 is fixed to the vertical channels 44, 44a and one end of the brake belt is secured thereto. A brake lever 69 is pivotally mounted on the pin 68 and carries an offset pin 70 to which the opposite end of the brake belt is secured. A loading spring 71 connected between the brake handle 69 and the channel 42 constantly urges the lever upwardly in brake applying direction to prevent unwinding movement of the drum.

To erect the scaffolding, the arcuate shoes or guides 50, 50a, 53, 53a are threaded on the adjacent posts 10, 12 of an end section, it being understood, of course, that the spacing of the shoes is complemental to the spacing of the posts so as to provide a snug but slidable fit therebetween. One carriage is then fastened at the bottom end of each of adjacent pairs of rail or track posts 10, 12 and a horizontal brace 36 and cross braces 37, 38 connected to a lower group of pins 33, 34 in the lower position a shown in FIG. 11 so that the thus connected and spaced end scaffold sections B are maintained in upright position. Then a horizontal brace 36 and cross braces 37, 38 are applied to an upper group of pins 33, 34 in the position b shown in FIG. 11, after which the lower cross braces 37, 38 are removed as obstruction to the inwardly extending carriage channels 42, 42a and planking carried thereby as the carriages and platforms are elevated. As the material platform reaches a height where it would be obstructed by the bracing in the upper position b, this bracing is removed and shifted to the lower position a so the platforms can be elevated.

Each pair of end sections forms, with the bracing between the posts 14 and the paired posts 10, 12, rectangular or square scaffold sections which may be erected along the length of the work With each such sect-ion spaced as shown in FIG. 11. For the platforms to bridge the space between adjacent sections (these may or may not be connected for bracing), planking may be doubled on adjacent carriages or the ends of the planking may be lapped. The nature of the particular job will determine whether the scaffold will be initially erected to a predetermined height, in which case the end of the cables 60 will be secured to the topmost section; or whether the scaflolding will be increased in height section by section (as in FIG. 7 illustrating the erection of a wall W) in which case the carriages can be conveniently and temporarily secured to their paired posts, or the carriages may be shored to the adjacent tender platform, while the ends of the cables are secured to the upper ends of the next higher scaffold section. In some instances, it may be feasible to directly connect several paired posts along the work by substantially the same bracing as illustrated for each discrete square unitary section.

A tender on the supply and tender platform T may conveniently manipulate the brake lever 69 and raising lever 62. Thus, the brake lever 69 may be depressed against the action of the loading spring 71 to release the brake belt, and the raising lever may be manipulated by oscillation during which the down stroke will rotate the drum 58 to wind the cable 60 thereon and accordingly elevate each carriage and the platforms carried thereby the distance desired by the mason on his platform. To lower a platform carriage, the spring loaded dog 64 is released from engagement with the ratchet wheel 64, as is the lever 62 and the pawl 63, and the operator can then 6 manipulate the brake lever 69 to lower the carriage which will slide down the posts 10, 12 under control of the brake.

From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that the telescopic connection between superposed vertical posts provides a connection free of obstruction so that the major peripheral surface of such vertical posts is unobstructed, thus alfording clear track or rail surfaces which are embraced by the carriage guides or shoes which slide smoothly therealong even across the connections between superposed posts. The arcu-ate guides or shoes of each pair face one another to thus securely lock the associated carriage in slidable association with the paired rail posts 10, 12 but in some instances a single rail post may be employed in which case the spacing of the shoes will be altered accordingly. The fastener means between the mating connecting plates 11, 29, 30 is disposed entirely between adjacent vertical posts and these plates constitute a very minor interruption to the continuity of the surface of each post, and this interruption is disposed between the ends of the arcuate shoes so there is no obstruction to sliding movement of the shoes. For convenience the material platform P projects inwardly of the scaffold but as pointed out, the bracing between the rail posts can be quickly shifted so as not to obstruct the platform and without detracting from safety requirements since the comparable upper and lower bracing remains between the outer vertical posts 14 and horizontal braces may remain at the top and bottom of the rail posts except while shifting from one section to another. Other shapes of rail posts and carriage supporting means may be provided so long as there is interlocking embracing therebetween without special separate track attachment for the scaffolding; and releasable carriage supporting means may be employed such as pivoted sections locking in track engaging position, and anti-friction balls or rolls might be incorporated with the carriage supporting means if desired. As example of various modifications, FIG. 12 shows the inner or inboard leg 74 of the V-channel frame of the carriage as terminating short of the side bracing 36 and the associated guide shoe 75 is positioned in relation to the post so that both the shoe and the channel leg 74 will clear the side bracing. Also, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, a single vertical post 70 may be employed and provided with oppositely projecting rail sections 71, 71a, of suitable configuration such as V-shaped or otherwise, and the platform carriage carries guide shoes 72, 72a complementally shaped with respect to the rail sections and embracing the same in slidable relation. In FIGS. 14 and 15 there is also shown a single vertical post 76 and a guide shoe 77 of the platform carriage. This guide shoe may or may not completely surround the post but includes a section 78 pivoted at 79 as by spring loading to closed position, which pivoted section may be secured in closed position by any suitable form of releasable fastener connection generally designated by the numeral 79a. This pivoted section may be released manually to clear the large horizontal member 16 and the end section bracing, or the bracing pins, if necessary, as the platform carriage is elevated or lowered; or its upper and lower edges may be shaped to present cam surfaces 80, to shift the same automatically by engagement with an obstruction, such as the horizontal member 16, against the action of its spring loading which is suflicient for safety purposes because the carriage is at all times, during normal operation, supported by the cable means 60 and the guide means to prevent tilting and maintain the same in stable position on the track surfaces.

While certain forms of the invention have been shown for purposes of illustration, it is to be clearly understood that various changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A sectional scaffold adapted to be increased in height vertically along a work area, and comprising a plurality of substantially identical sections adapted to be superposed one above the other and each section including a plurality of interconnected vertical posts with a pair of said posts spaced laterally along the work area, opposed portions of the surfaces of the posts adjacent the work area providing continuous and unobstructed trackway surfaces peripherally along a substantial portion of the periphery thereof, brace means connecting adjacent superposed vertical posts at points removed from said trackway surfaces whereby to maintain the unobstructed continuity thereof, and a vertically shiftable platform carriage including vertically spaced platform supports connected by a substantially vertical frame and having guide and support means comprising vertically spaced guide shoes carried by said frame with the shoes of each pair facing one another for embracing the trackway surface of one of said posts around a suificient periphery of the post to trap the platform carriage thereon against outward separation of the carriage from the post and support the platform carriage for travel there along without engagement of the guide and support means with the brace means.

2. A sectional scaffold as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vertical posts adjacent the work area each comprises a pair of closely spaced vertical post members at each end of each section along the work area with vertically spaced connecting members between each of the closely spaced apart post members substantially at points of closest proximity between the post members whereby to leave the remaining surfaces free as trackway surfaces to be engaged by the mutually facing guide shoes of the guide and support means.

3. A platform supporting carriage for use with scaffolding having vertical posts with the surface thereof providing track surfaces, and comprising upper and lower frame sections connected by a vertical frame section with one of said frame sections including a V-shaped section to straddle the adjacent scaffold post, spaced opposed guide shoes secured to the vertical frame section and of a peripheral extent to engage opposite portions of the track surfaces of a vertical post as well as a portion of the track surface remote from the vertical frame section whereby to trap the carriage but leaving the space between the guide shoes entirely free for bypassing transverse bracing obstructions, and cable winding and braking mechanism mounted forwardly of the guide shoes on the vertical frame section and between the upper and lower frame sections for effecting vertical controlled travel of the carriage.

4. A platform supporting carriage as claimed in claim 3, wherein the upper and lower frame sections project in opposite directions from the vertical frame section, and wherein said winding and braking mechanism is dis posed below the apex of the V-shaped section and outwardly of the vertical frame section.

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